My audiences want to hear jazz and light standards. That's what I'm known for, and I have very little competition around here.

It's obviously a niche, but that's what I want to do, and I have enough people around to make it worthwhile.

This town is full of people playing Buffett. People hire me because I don't. Won't.

Willie is a good writer (eg. Crazy), but his travel/outlaw/drinking songs are embarrassingly childish, as are all Buffett songs, in my opinion.

As I see it, you have two options: One, you can play what the masses want, without regard to excellence and innovation in structure, lyrics, etc., or work like hell learning more challenging material, knowing, as you improve, your potential audience is getting smaller (as is your paycheck).

A third option is to get into sound tracks...no audience, but lots of freedom to create, lots of work, if you're good enough
and excellent pay (think six figures, easily). The downside is impossible deadlines and 30 hour sessions; some back to back.

Playing what general audiences want is fine.

Playing what you want at all costs is my choice.


I'm still hard at work trying to do that.


Russ